Scolari has been linked with bringing high-profile midfielders Deco, Ronaldinho and Ricardo Quaresma to Stamford Bridge but the heightened speculation of the potential new arrivals has not led Mikel to ponder his own future.

Instead, the 21-year-old holding midfielder who was brought to the club by Jose Mourinho in 2006, is welcoming the competition for places the new faces would bring.

"I don't even know what to expect from the coach because we have not spoken yet," Mikel said. "I will only be able to say something about him when we meet during pre-season.

"I am not afraid to hear about one player or the other coming to Chelsea. It's something that makes me stronger.

"You should know that I would have left Chelsea long ago if I had been scared or something like a chicken-hearted player."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has identified Scolari as the coach to add the necessary flair and verve which was lacking under predecessor Avram Grant.

Ronaldinho has been targeted as one such player who would excite the Stamford Bridge faithful and a player Scolari knows well from his days as Brazil coach.

The Barcelona playmaker has been plagued by injuries last season but Scolari believes he could be the man to rekindle the sparkle which saw Ronaldinho named world footballer of the year in 2004 and 2005.

Scolari will arrive in west London later this week to take up office having left his post as Portugal coach. The decision to confirm Scolari as Grant's successor during Euro 2008 may have hindered Portugal's progress at the championships and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has questioned the timing of the announcement.

"What's for sure is that it didn't give anything to the team, so it could only take something away. It didn't help Portugal," Wenger said.

"France had that situation in 2004 when (Jacques) Santini announced he was going to Tottenham. Once that happens all you hear is 'who will be next?' That starts in the camp as well."